Salvation Army dedicates new Wooster facility

"o that families may be strengthened, new skills developed and our community become a better place in which to live and work and play ...

"We dedicate this building."

Such were the words of nearly 400 people Sunday afternoon as the Salvation Army Wooster Corps christened its new Family Life Center, a building that will house a youth drop-in center and includes a gymnasium, kitchen, game room, computer room, meditation area and a 140-seat chapel.

"I know first hand how important this facility can be to households that need to know they are not alone, to families that need to be reassured when they feel they are at the end of their rope," said Glenn Davis, chairman of the Salvation Army Wooster Corps' advisory board. "The Salvation Army has done that in the past, and this facility extends that message."

Sunday's dedication brought Salvation Army officers from across the country, including Col. William Francis, chief secretary of the Eastern Territory. That territory includes seven eastern states, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Lt. Col. Norman Voisey, divisional commander of the Northeast Ohio Salvation Army Division was also on hand, as was state Senator Ron Amstutz, R-22nd District and Wooster Mayor Jamie Howey.

During his dedicatory address, Francis praised Major Mary West, commanding officer of the Wooster Corps, for her perseverance in bringing the Family Life Center to fruition.

"Major West embodies the Salvation Army ministry," Francis said. "She brings dedication, life and joy wherever she serves."

Brenda Linnick, executive director of United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, said the new facility would truly make a difference in Wooster.

"This is incredible for us to stand here and think that just a short while ago, this building was a glass factory, and held glass and other very fragile things," Linnick said. "After today, this building will hold the lives of our children and their dreams.

"We stand here because (West) had a vision for the Salvation Army, a dream to make a difference in the lives of youth and their families."

West said that vision simply stems from the conviction of the Salvation Army.

"The Army's desire to operate a family life center," West said, "comes from the strong conviction that the family needs to remain the basic source of nurture, love, of economic and other life supports, of fundamental education and socialization and of spiritual and moral developments."

Voisey, who participated in Friday evening's ceremony in which Ernie Taylor, the man responsible for bringing the Salvation Army to Wooster 56 years ago, said the Family Life Center is yet another extension of the Corps' service to the community.

"It's an honor to be able to experience along with you the realization of a dream," Voisey said. "This community came together in a very focused way to serve its fellow brotherhood."

The Family Life Center will begin full operation on March 4.

The youth drop-in center will be open Monday through Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. for youngsters 12 and under; from 7:30-9 for those between the ages of 13 and 15; and from 9-10:30 for youth 16 and older.

Weekend hours will be from 7 p.m.-midnight for youngsters 14 and older.